Tag Archives: Marble Countertops

Your kitchen countertop is an investment, you need to ensure its well maintained. Without proper care and maintenance, your kitchen countertop will lose their look and diminish in value over time. It’s therefore important that you ensure you follow the right care procedure for your countertop. In this article, we give simple tips to follow to ensure that your countertop not only lasts long but also retains the shine. If you intend to sell your house, the kitchen countertop will increase the value of your home. It’s therefore important that take care of the countertop and ensure it retains the shine.

How to Keep Your Countertop Looking New

Cleaning the Kitchen Countertops

It’s important to ensure that your investment is cleaned properly to ensure it last long. If you have a granite countertop cleaning the countertop with a mild detergent and warm water regularly will help retain the shine. It’s important that you understand the countertop in your kitchen and use the right procedure to clean the countertop. Proper cleaning will ensure that you can enjoy your countertop appearance for years. Consult the granite contractor on how best to clean your countertop and you will reap long-term value from your countertop.

Follow the installers instructions

Every countertop requires a particular maintenance and care procedure and its imperative that you follow them. Consult the installers on how best you can take care of your countertop. The installer will guide you on the best detergent to use on your countertop. It’s also important to establish how resistant your countertop is to heat and stains. Make sure you follow the guide to clean spills and stains.

Use Mild cleaners and a soft cloth

The harsh cleaner may cause scratches on the countertop. They may remove the sealant and cause your countertop to stain and harbor bacteria. Make sure that you use the right cleaners for your countertop. Avoid scrubbing the countertop using harsh materials such as scrubbing pads, steel wool, and any other materials.

Keep your Countertop Away from Extreme Heat

It’s important to know the heat levels your kitchen countertop can endure. Granite countertops can endure heat up to a certain level. Too much will cause the countertop to expand and then shrink causing cracking. Use trivets when placing hot dishes on your countertop. Simple care process will ensure that your countertop is not damaged by heat and that keeps the kitchen countertop shinning and looking new for longer.

Seal the countertop as required

It’s important to ensure your granite or marble countertop is sealed after installation. If you have an old countertop, make sure you follow the sealing schedule without fail. Sealants prevent your countertops from stains and bacteria. Make sure that your granite and marble countertops are well sealed.

What to Avoid when it comes to Countertops

Exposure to hot pans

Avoid exposing your countertop to hot pans especially if they have sealant

Avoid Placing heavy items on your countertop

Placing heavy objects on your countertop because that will lead to cracking. Avoid sitting or stepping on the countertop when reaching for objects. Applying pressure on your countertop will lead to cracking.

Avoid cutting directly

Cutting directly on your countertop may cause damage to your countertop. While cutting meat or vegetables use a cutting board.

Use the recommended cleaners

The experts at the granite company will advise you on the cleaners to use. Make sure that you use the recommended cleaners for your countertop. Using harsh detergents will damage your countertop leading to loss of the shine.

Leaving spills on the countertop

Leaving spills on your countertop will result in stains. Make sure that you clean spills immediately.

Consult the professionals

If your granite, Silestone or marble countertop looks dull, consult the expert on how you can get back the shine and make your countertop to look new. Make sure that you follow the care procedure as instructed by the contractors.

A kitchen countertop plays a key role in the overall look of your house. A good-looking countertop will perk the value of your house and its important that you maintain the countertop. Make sure that you follow the cleaning procedure for each countertop and you enjoy you’re the top for years. Follow the sealing schedule if you have marble or granite countertop Durham and you can enjoy preparing those sumptuous meals without attracting bacteria’s.

Kitchen Islands are like an oasis in the middle of the kitchen. A kitchen island will give your kitchen more space, and it’s important to choose one that gives your kitchen style and elegance.Granite countertops will give the island a classic and stylish look creating a regal effect in your kitchen.

Typical uses of a kitchen island

Provides extra space and cooking

In an open kitchen plan, it provides the boundary

If it has drawers, it provides more storage space

The island provides a table where you and family can sit as you prepare dinner

Considerations to make when Choosing the design of your kitchen island

Size of the island

The space of your kitchen available determines the size and the design. Bigger kitchen space allows for more kitchen design. Smaller kitchen space may be hard to design, but with the help of experts, you can still design. Ensure that you get the right height of the island depending on the purpose. Whether the island is for food preparation or an eating area, make sure that the island height is comfortable.

The shape of the Island

The shape of the island will depend on the space available. If your kitchen space is minimal, it may be hard to have different kitchen designs. The shape of your island will give your kitchen a modern and a sleek look.

Function

The design of the kitchen island will depend on the use. If you are going to use the island for the cooker, then you need to consider the ventilation and fans. To add extra storage space, increase the height of the island to accommodate the storage cabinets. You can incorporate a beverage fridge in the island to make it easy to serve drinks if the island is used as a seating area during cooking times.

Adding style to Kitchen Island

A kitchen island on its own may not add any the ambiance and style you are hoping to achieve. It’s therefore essential to ensure that you dress your island appropriately to add style and glamour to your space.

Color and texture of the countertop in use

The choice of the kitchen countertop will change the outlook of the island. Depending on the function of the island choose the marble or granite countertop that will suit your needs. Granite countertops or marble countertop will give your island an elegant look. Make sure the countertop color matches and complements the rest of the kitchen.

Lightning

Add lighting to help illuminate the island and make your kitchen space more stylish. A hanging light will make sure the island is well decorated making it stand out. Add lights to the island to make more modern and give it extra brightness.

Replacing Kitchen Countertops

Does dull kitchen countertop is spoiling your kitchen’s appearance? Or wear and tear is clearly visible on your kitchen countertop? Or are you thinking of complete kitchen makeover? Well, if so then kitchen countertop replacement is something which can help you out. The kitchen countertop is the focal point of kitchen. These countertops are not only important for your kitchen décor but also for the ease of cooking. The aging is typically the most obvious reason behind the degrading beauty of the countertop.

Rather than making useless efforts in adorning your old countertop, you should better think about kitchen countertop replacement. There are many options available to you for your new kitchen countertop like granite countertops, marble countertops, quartz countertops, soap Stone countertops and Bamboo surface countertops.

Obviously, your old countertop does not cope up with your modern kitchen. You might have latest kitchen appliances, latest furniture and latest crockery in your kitchen, so why to compromise with the countertop? Get it replaced!!

Marble countertops are common in kitchens. They are one of the most expensive countertops in the market, but at the same time they are one of the most durable. According to experts, when you take good care of them they can last for up to 100 years.

They come in different colors and hues where the color of the stone is determined by the area it was mined. If you are undertaking kitchen remodeling these are the countertops to go for.

Benefits of marble countertops

There are many benefits that come with the countertops. Some of these benefits include:

Beauty: as mentioned, the countertops come in different natural colors that you can choose from. In addition to this, these countertops have the ability of blending with different textures such as natural wood finishes.

Heat resistance: since they are made from stone, the countertops can’t burn or catch fire. While this is the case, they can be easily damaged by hot items placed directly on them. To protect your countertops it’s highly recommended that you place a mat on their surface.

In addition to being heat and fire resistant, the units are also resistant to cracks, breakage, and scratches.

Guide on how to take care of the countertops

For the countertops to last for a long time you should take good care of them. There are many ways in which you can do it:

Installation: care should start at the installation phase. You should ensure that they are installed by an experienced professional. The kitchen contractor you hire should not only be a kitchen professional, he/she should also be a marble countertop expert. This way you will have confidence that the units have been installed properly.

Cleaning: for the units to retain their elegant look you need to clean them often. When cleaning you should note that dirt materials tend to scour the surfaces; therefore, you should take a lot of care. To remove the dirt you should softly wipe the surface using a damp cloth. Remember that a lot of pressure will scratch the surface instead of removing dirt.

Sealing: while marble countertops NC are tough and withstand heat, they tend to stain easily. You should protect them from stains by applying a sealant on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Marble countertops are a great choice in your kitchen remodeling projects. For ideal results you should have them installed by a professional kitchen remodeler. You should also buy them from a reputable store.

Are you thinking about giving a royal makeover to your kitchen? Are you looking for natural stone countertop materials? Or do you simply want to replace your old kitchen countertop? Well, if so, then marble countertop is the answer to all your questions. Marble is an excellent material when it comes to kitchen and bathroom countertops. This material is cable of withstanding heat and moisture. And its aesthetics are above any other countertop material. This material increases the value of property wherever it is installed in the correct manner, and that too without demanding much maintenance.

Know about marble countertops

Marble has its own importance. Earlier, marble was used only for the construction of palaces, mosques and temples, but now this material is available of everyone. Now every homeowner can create rich and royal decor using marble countertops. Apart from countertops, marble is used in the fireplaces, flooring, walls, sculptures etc. Marble looks amazing in every possible form. This material has its own distinct features.

Know about marble countertops

When it comes to countertop material, marble can be an excellent option. There are many benefits of installing marble countertops, such as:

Marble is a classic beauty. The white scintillating marble countertop looks amazing wherever it is installed. This material reflects more light, and thus increases the brightness of the place where it is installed.

Marble is a naturally cool material. In case you love baking in your kitchen, then you will absolutely love marble It is not a heat conductor.

Though it is not as hard as granite, it is quite durable.

Unlike rare natural stones, marble is easily available. You can find marble countertop everywhere –online stores, countertop companies and countertop shops. This is the reason why marble countertops are not very expensive.

Maintenance of marble countertops is easy. You can clean it using soap water and cloth. No matter if it is food spills, juice, soap or nail polish stain, it is possible to clean your countertop surface.

Marble countertop installation is also easy. However, you should consider hiring the marble contractor, if you want to get this job done with perfection.

While there are many countertops available on the market, solid surface countertops are slowly gaining popularity. Although they are lesser known than the natural stone countertops, availability in various colors, textures and designs is consolidating the reputation of this countertop material. Solid surface is apt for kitchen island, bathroom vanity tops, desks, showers etc. Solid surface countertops are so durable and easy-to-maintain, they are even considered for commercial kitchens.

Why solid surface countertops?

Solid surface is an amazing material for all kinds of countertops. There are many obvious reasons for choosing solid surface countertops over other countertop materials, some of them are:

Looks

Solid surface is a manmade material, so solid surface countertops are available in variety of colors, textures, styles and designs. You can opt for matte as well as polished look. One of the biggest advantages of solid surface is that they are seamless. They are manufactured in a manner to be fitted together tightly and then sanded. Thus, their seams are almost invisible. While solid surface countertops look like natural stone countertops, they are totally manmade. Thus, homeowners who are specific about natural stone countertop should keep this fact in mind.

Durability and Maintenance

Solid surface countertops are quite durable. They can bear the load and stress of heavy kitchen utensils. Unlike natural stone countertops, they are repairable. It means the chips, cracks and scratches can be repaired. Other aspects of solid surface countertops durability, include:

Easy to clean

Low maintenance

Will not stain easily

Can be repaired

These countertops are made from synthetics that can be repaired at lower cost. This makes solid surface countertops a long lasting surface. With proper care and maintenance, it is possible to make them last lifetime.

Cost

Cost is one of the major reasons behind the increasing popularity of solid surface countertops. Though this countertop can look and feel like the natural stone countertops, they are a way cheaper than granite and marble countertops.

So, these are some amazing features of solid stone countertops. No matter which countertop material you opt for, make sure to purchase your countertop from the best kitchen countertop company.

Even after availability of cheaper countertops, marble countertops maintain their popularity in the market. It is the first name came in mind when homeowners and interior decorators think about bathroom and kitchen countertop replacement. There are many advantages of installing marble countertops that make this expensive material worthy of every penny you spend on it.

Know about amazing benefits of marble

Marble is extremely resilient and durable material. It will not dent or chip easily. This is one of the most important qualities that every countertop material should have. Many people reject marble thinking that marble is a fragile material, but it is a myth. Marble is capable of withstanding daily wear and tear of bathrooms and kitchens.

While marble is more expensive than other countertop options, it is long-lasting. This material increases the value of your property. Its price will never go down and so, if you are considering rent or selling your property, marble countertop can be a lucrative investment. Prospective buyers are will happily pay more for durability, quality and beauty of the marble countertop.

Marble countertop is quite easy to clean and maintain. Basically, all you need to do is to clean the countertop with soap water and cloth. It is resistant to stains and water damages. So, you need not have to worry about the maintenance.

Marble countertops are available in variety of colors and textures. It is apt for both bathrooms and kitchens. You can choose the countertop according to the decoration theme of your kitchen. Marble is naturally cool material. It is soothing wherever it is installed. This is the reason why people use marble for making fireplace, flooring and patios. In some countries, worship places and palaces are made from marbles. Marble monuments are gracefully standing for centuries. You can also enjoy the glorious beauty of the marble countertops in your kitchens and bathrooms.

Buying marble countertops

After opting for the marble countertop garner nc, you need to find the right marble contractor. Only a right contractor can provide you the right quality marble at the right price. Look for Countertop Company which offers countertop installation services as well.

Once you have decided replacing your old and out of date countertop, you might want to know how long it takes to replace the countertop. Well, it is not possible to generalize the time required for the kitchen countertop replacement. How much time required depends on several factors, such as –skills of handyman, countertop material used, availability of installation tools, size and shape of your countertop, and your budget.

Kitchen countertop replacement

No matter which type of countertop material you choose for countertop replacement, there is thing you need to keep in mind: Get started only after understanding the specifications. It is very much important that the person who is installing the countertop has the required skills and knowledge. If you are versed with general handyman tasks, you can take kitchen countertop installation in your hand. However, it is always recommended to hire a professional contractor for this purpose.

Laminate countertops

If you are looking for fastest turn-around, then laminate countertops is the best option for you. This is especially applicable when you select “off the rack” countertops from the countertop store. The finish and fit will not be as good as customized laminate countertops, but as far as time is concerned, they are unbeatable.

Engineered stone and stainless steel countertops

Installation time required for engineered stone and stainless steel countertops is almost same as the time required to install laminate countertops, and the process of installation is also same. From the time you begin to think about countertop replacement, plan at least 4 months. That provides you the time to explore what you really want without rushing.

Granite and marble countertops

Installation of natural stone countertops (like granite and marble) is quite different from the installation of engineered stone countertops. It is not possible to install these countertops using DIY hacks. You need a professional countertop contractor for the kitchen countertop replacement job.

Concrete countertops

Concrete countertop installation is tricky and time-consuming. There are a lot of things required to be taken care of while installing concrete countertops. The installation of concrete countertops can take up to a week, even when you hire a professional contractor.

Your countertop plays an important role in kitchen. There are plenty of options from granite to marble, glass to wood, and quartz to tile. But choosing the kitchen island countertop should not be a difficult task. By understanding your needs and requirements, you can make a wise choice for your kitchen. Different countertop materials have different characteristics. If you know what you are actually looking for your kitchen, the countertop selection process will become really very easy for you.

Choosing Kitchen Countertops

The countertop material set the tone for the kitchen. The material you choose for your kitchen countertop should not only reflect your style, but also cope-up with how you use your kitchen. The countertop play both functional and aesthetic role in the kitchen.

Granite is the first choice when it comes to kitchen countertop selection. Maximum homeowners opt for granite countertops. This material offer features like heat resistance, scratch resistance, low maintenance and durability. It is safe to settle for granite countertop.

Marble is another amazing choice when it comes to kitchen countertop surface. This material is the second choice of homeowners for kitchen countertop. It is a natural stone just like granite. Kitchens with marble countertops look amazingly beautiful. The marble surfaces are easy to clean.

In the crowd of natural stone, engineered stone (i.e. quartz) is making its way in the world of kitchen countertops. This surface is durable, beautiful, sleek looking, stain resistant and available in many designs. Quartz countertops are amazing choice for the busy kitchens.

If you are looking for the environmentally friendly countertop material, then bamboo countertops are for you. These countertops are made from bamboo trees. The bamboo trees grow rapidly. The countertops made from the bamboo provide world-class working surfaces.

Kitchen countertop installation

After selection, countertop installation is another big aspect. If you don’t have any knowledge about the installation, please don’t try DIY hacks to install the countertop in your kitchen. You might end up breaking something. Hire a reliable and trustworthy kitchen countertop contractor for proper installation and fitting of your countertop surface. Only a professional contractor can handle this task adequately.

Countertops are a large investment for a kitchen or bathroom. They are functional as well as decorative units that come in various surface types. No matter what type of countertop surface you have, they will ultimately need to be cleaned. Every countertop surface has its own unique cleaning needs. Both kitchen and bathroom countertops are required to be cleaned time to time. Also, countertop cleaning is one of the mandatory tasks.

Kitchen countertop cleaning

Most countertop surfaces can be kept clean with same basic care, regardless of what type they are. But there are some countertop surfaces that require very precise care and maintenance. Along the same lines, there are countertop surfaces that should not be spilled, stained or allowed to sit on them for any extended time period. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent for laminate countertops, but it is really very bad for marble countertops. Knowing what type of material is in your kitchen, will help you knowing what you should and shouldn’t use to clean them.

Daily countertop care

Dust and dirt can scratch countertop surface. Spills that remain for too long on countertops may become extremely difficult to clean. For this reason, a daily countertop cleaning routine becomes very important. Just wipe countertop using a soft clean cloth on a day when you haven’t used your countertop. If more extensive cleaning is required, use soft cloth and soap water to clean your countertop surface. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific countertop material. Some countertop materials can be damaged by cleaning agents.

Spills can stain nearly every countertop. Porous stones that require resealing will absorb spills easily, and discolor the countertop surface. Laminated surfaces can also get discolored from spills. When a spill occurs, clean them right away. Removing spills instantly will help you protecting your kitchen counter in the long run.

Even big messes can be cleaned with basic cleaning methods. To clean your countertops, begin with the basic methods such as –dry dusting and cleaning with wet cloth. Only opt for special cleaning agents or dish soap on countertop type, if it is needed.